EOCO must understand constitutional protection for MPs – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has called for the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to better understand the constitutional protections afforded to Members of Parliament (MPs). This call comes in the wake of a heated encounter at the Accra High Court on September 23, involving lawyers for detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti, security personnel potentially affiliated with EOCO, and an MP.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described the incident as "the most unfortunate," particularly because it took place within the confines of the court. He questioned why EOCO proceeded with action against the MP after the involved law firm had already engaged EOCO and submitted a statement following the firm's invitation. The firm had corresponded with EOCO through a designated senior officer, engaging the agency on three separate occasions, culminating in the submission of a statement.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu argued that the agency should not have resorted to this course of action without any indication of dissatisfaction or a desire for further engagement with the firm's representatives.

He stressed that these constitutional provisions are designed to enable MPs to carry out their duties without interference. MPs, when attending court in relation to parliamentary matters, should be permitted to perform their responsibilities and bring matters to the attention of the House. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu questioned the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to prevent the MP from entering the court, urging law-enforcement officials to recognize the constitutional framework governing Parliament before taking action involving legislators.

He further highlighted that Parliament possesses constitutional powers to safeguard its privileges and address conduct deemed contemptuous of its authority. While MPs' privileges are not meant to protect them from legitimate investigations, they are intended to ensure Parliament's effective functioning. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu urged EOCO and other law-enforcement institutions to exercise caution when dealing with legislators and to resolve disagreements through established legal channels.

He emphasized that Ghana's democratic institutions must respect each other's constitutional mandates to strengthen democratic governance, asserting that accountability and parliamentary privilege can coexist if all parties adhere to the law.